Boxing: Tyson applies for licence to fight in Texas

Mike Tyson has applied for a license to fight in Texas.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will process the request despite a recommendation by the Association of Boxing Commissions that states deny Tyson a boxing licence, department spokesman Kevin Ketchum said.

The ABC's suggestion is not binding, because while state commissions uphold other states' licence revocations or suspensions of boxers, they are not bound to honour a licence denial.

The Nevada Athletic Commission voted 4-1 to deny Tyson a licence to fight WBC-IBF heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis on April 6 in Las Vegas.

Shelly Finkel, Tyson's adviser, has said seven states have expressed interest in a Tyson challenge to Lewis.

Shea Guinn, president and general manager of the Astrodome, is trying to bring the event to Houston.

"We are having some discussions right now about the possibility of the fight happening here," Mr Guinn told Houston television station KRIV. "We are interested if the terms are right."

General manager Eddie Gossage, of the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, said he spoke with Finkel and Main Events, Lewis' American promoter.

Lewis has said his WBC mandatory defence against Tyson will not happen on April 6 and that he might fight another opponent. Lewis, however, remains under contract for a Tyson fight.

The WBC has let it be known that it expects Lewis to fight the top-ranked Tyson before he fights anyone else.